Breaking: Doug Liman signs deal with UCP, directs comedy for MTV

Universal Cable Prods. has signed a two-year overall development deal with Doug Liman’s shingle, Hypnotic.

For the studio, Liman is directing a new half-hour comedy pilot for MTV titled “I Want My Pants Back.” Production will begin Aug. 30 in New York. David Rosen is writing the pilot. Deal marks the first time UCP has developed a show for a net outside the NBC Universal family.

“I Wants My Pants Back” is about a group of twentysomething guys who, much to the chagrin of one of the group’s members, begin making adult decisions — such as buying a bed instead of a futon, and getting their own apartments instead of all living together. Casting is currently taking place in New York.

UCP also has a script in development for hourlong pilot “Pushers” for AMC, from “Law & Order: SVU” exec producer Neal Baer, who co-wrote with Roger Schulman and Michael Curtis. Show is about the world of pharmaceuticals.

Maira Suro, senior VP of current and development for UCP, said since arriving to the studio from MTV, her mandate has been to increase output for networks outside the NBC Universal family.

“It’s been nice to see outside buyers,” Suro said. “Because of the track record with USA and Syfy, they know we know how to make pilots that get on the air. We’re a well-oiled machine but the momentum is fairly new. We’re pretty happy about that.”

Liman, along with Hypnotic partner Dave Bartis, are exec producers on the studio’s newest drama, USA Network’s “Covert Affairs.” Showrunner James Parriott also exec produces.

Previously on the TV side, Hypnotic was attached to NBC’s “Knight Rider” and Fox teen hit “The O.C.” On the bigscreen, Liman has exec produced the last two films of the “Bourne” trilogy.